Metro Closes Doors

Few transportations organizations in recent memory have been exposed and fallen quite as hard as DC's Metrorail.  First, there was the June 22 crash that killed 9 people.   Then came delays of up to 30 minutes on the system's busiest line, even during rush hour -- a time where fares are significantly higher than during non-rush-hour times.  Then came news that Metro was warned of potential safety hazards long ago, but failed to obtain the funds to fix them (which can partially be blamed on governments that chronically underfund public transit, but freak out when anything bad happens).  Then came the revelation (via leaked memos and anonymous sources) that Metro General Manager John Catoe essentially lied to the public when he said that only the Red Line accident area had a section of 'dark' track where the sensors couldn't detect trains.  Turns out that every line but the Green Line has sections of track in the same boat. 

In the meantime, millions of DC-area residents still depend on Metro to get them to work for lack of better options.  Now, however, there is a distinctly cynical and paranoid vibe permeating people's attitudes, including mine.  Is the ride really safe?  Will I be on time for my appointment?  Should I even bother taking the rail, or should I just give up and drive?  Ridership seems to be down since the crash, so it seems clear there is a short-term fallout.

There are ongoing attempts to expand Metro to Dulles Airport.  Metro has also signed an agreement to get more cellphone service underground for carriers beyond Verizon.  Metrobus has rolled out a NextBus phone number system, where riders can call to find out when the next bus will arrive at their stop.  And Union Station is about to open a very expensive bike repair and storage facility that cost millions to build. 

All these projects would be nice if I was convinced the system was as safe as it could be...but I'm not.  They might want to focus on safety first. 

Metrorail used to serve as a source of pride for the DC area.  Now it's become more of a running joke. 

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